Question on vacation habits as DVC members

[tinkerbella's mom]

Pre-kids DH and I stayed on and off site and did the WDW parks and other Orlando attractions commando style. Habit inherited from my mom who did the same when we were kids. Fast foward - now 2 kids DD-5 1/2 , and DS 4 and 2 WDW trips with them. First in '06 stayed AKL SV room, Second trip '07rented SSR 2 BDR, staying in the extra space was all it took to get my anti timeshare DH to buy DVC. We bought at AKV and first trip home will be this Nov. '08. Having experienced the extra room for the kids, knowing that we would be going every year it made sense to buy instead of renting , or staying CRO. Our stay was more relaxed did the parks at our leisure, and every yr as the kids get older and taller the whole experience changes as you do different thinks. Example haven't stayed 'til park closing because the kids pass out. So we are back in the resort sipping some wine in the jacuzzi as the kids sleep in their room. The other Orlando attractions we'll catch as they get older and their energy increases. You don't feel that need to do it all now because you know you will be back.

 

[rheffelf]

Thanks for everyone's input. It seems the going trend is that everyone is more relaxed and not in a rush to do things while they are there. It also seems like the extra space is a BIG plus. Having 2 sons under 5 and a DD on the way, and just love being in Disney as a family has made me do some extensive research on this. As our last trip to the Swan as a family made us realize, with all of the extra stuff with having kids and them getting older and bigger, a hotel room is starting to get very cramped. That and worrying about how we are going to get them to sleep while we are in the room with them. If we are going to have to get 2 rooms in the future, I thought it would be worthwhile to look into DVC. A one bedroom is really starting to look good right now. Also, having laundry facilities I think will be a great help. Our last two vacations as a familiy, I had to spend an afternoon in the Dolphin laundromat doing all of the kids laundry. Hard to pack alot with the airline regs these days.

Thanks for everyone's input. I mull decisions over sometimes too excessively (you can ask my wife) , but everyone has been sooo helpful and I really appreciate it.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

I wanted to also add in that we still get up early because we like to be in the parks when they open, less crowds and more rides. Then we eat a quick lunch at CS and end up going back to our DVC. Nap, swim, play and then go back to catch a night parade, show and a nice TS dinner.

We are not commandos any longer and we feel more relaxed. It take an entire year to get the we must hurry and get it all done syndrome out of our systems.